Blue Zones Study Flags Wichita Falls Health Risks
A Blue Zones LLC study found high rates of tobacco use, inactivity, poor diets and obesity among Wichita Falls residents.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Nutrition
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Blue Zones LLC presented a study on the collective health of Wichita Falls, finding high rates of tobacco use, physical inactivity, poor diets, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Findings were revealed in a virtual forum on November 9.
Why it matters
Without intervention, medical and lost productivity costs are projected to rise by $11.7 billion over the next decade. The findings could shape whether a local health initiative moves forward.
The study drew on focus groups, a survey and 101 local meetings, including 49 organizations, with a projected $11.7 billion rise in costs over the next decade without intervention. The study does not specify how much of the projected increase is attributable to diet-related conditions specifically.
The players
Blue Zones LLC
Blue Zones LLC is a Minnesota-based organization that works with communities on well-being initiatives, headquartered in Edina, Minnesota.
United Regional Health Care Systems
United Regional Health Care Systems is the Wichita Falls hospital system sponsoring the Blue Zones initiative in the city.
Corey Edmondson
Corey Edmondson is the CEO of United Regional Health Care Systems, who said the county's health ranking led Blue Zones to consider the city.
The details
Blue Zones led focus groups and conducted a survey in Wichita Falls, with United Regional Health Care Systems sponsoring the initiative. United Regional CEO Corey Edmondson said in August that the county's health ranking was a factor in considering the project.
Timeline
August: Blue Zones considered coming to Wichita Falls.
September: A public gathering on the Blue Zones studies was held in Wichita Falls.
November 9, 2026: A virtual forum revealed the health study findings.
Within 45 days: United Regional will decide whether to engage Blue Zones.
Big Picture
The Wichita Falls study applies the Blue Zones community well-being model to a Texas city, extending that program into a new regional setting. It follows the model's approach of assessing community-wide health before committing to a multi-year intervention.
If the project proceeds, the hospital would fund the first six months, after which grants, foundations and local businesses would be expected to support it. Residents may see community programs tied to diet, activity and tobacco use if the initiative moves forward.
The takeaway
Community health gaps such as diet, inactivity and tobacco use carry large projected costs if left unaddressed. Local residents can watch the 45-day decision to see whether a structured prevention effort follows.
What happens next
United Regional Health Care Systems will decide within 45 days whether to engage Blue Zones in the multimillion-dollar project, which would span four to six years.
Further reading
Explore more on Nutrition to see how diet factors into community health outcomes like those found in Wichita Falls.
More information
Read the Blue Zones Wichita Falls health study report for the full findings.
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